Red Sox at Blue Jays
After opening the schedule 0-3, due to a bleeding bullpen, the Red Sox
picked up their first win of 2012 thanks to some solid work from their
relievers. Boston rallied with three runs in the ninth inning to steal a
4-2 win over Toronto in the series opener Monday. The Blue Jays, who
tied for the most blown saves in the American League last season (25),
try for their first home win Tuesday.
Boston calmed the nerves of
Red Sox Nation, which suffered through a 0-6 start last year. Former AL
MVP Dustin Pedroia was the spark plug for the offense, recording his
second double and home run of the season Monday. Kelly Johnson is
swinging the hot bat for the Blue Jays, going 5-for-12 with three walks
and three RBIs.
TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, SN, TVA (Toronto), NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Daniel Bard (2011: 2-9, 3.33 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Kyle Drabek (2011: 4-5, 6.06 ERA)
Bard
is moving into the rotation after thriving in Boston’s bullpen for
three seasons. However, with the Red Sox’s recent struggles in the pen,
some are questioning manager Bobby Valentine’s move to install Bard as a
starter. He’s 0-2 with a 4.07 ERA in his career versus Toronto.
Drabek
is keeping a spot in the rotation warm with an injury to Dustin
McGowan. He struggled in his first season in the majors, including going
0-1 with a bulky 12.00 ERA in two stints versus the Red Sox last year.
He looked solid against the New York Yankees in the spring and boasted a
3.14 ERA in Grapefruit League play.
WALK-OFFS:
1. After going 3-for-4 with a home run on opening day, Toronto slugger Jose Bautista is just 1-for-12.
2. Boston third baseman Kevin Youkilis is 0-for-12 with five strikeouts to start the season.
3.
The Red Sox bullpen was 0-2 with a collective 7.94 ERA through the
first three games of the season. Boston's relievers gave up only one hit
and struck out four in four innings Monday.